Key takeaways:
- MSU Denver met all accreditation requirements.
- The review results qualified the University for a new pathway that would extend routine reviews from five to 10 years.
- Reviewers praised the University’s commitment to student success, reinforced by strong participation from faculty, staff and students.
Metropolitan State University of Denver earned high marks in its latest accreditation review, with a team of evaluators praising the University’s commitment to student success and opening the door to a new accreditation pathway for the first time in University history.
Following a Sept. 28-29 campus visit, a five-member team from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) found that MSU Denver met all accreditation requirements and qualified to move to HLC’s Open Pathway.
MSU Denver has been on a standard pathway since its initial accreditation in 1971. That pathway brings a routine review every five years. The Open Pathway shifts that review to every 10 years.
Moving to the Open Pathway also gives MSU Denver an opportunity to focus more deeply on student success. As part of the move, the University will develop a four-year Student Success Quality Initiative aligned with its strategic priorities, identifying ways to improve the student experience and outcomes. The plan must be finalized by July 1, 2027.
Campus community makes an impression
The positive review reflected strong participation from students, faculty and staff during the two-day visit.
Some sessions were standing room only, while others moved to larger rooms to accommodate participants, said Vice Provost Shaun Schafer, Ph.D., the University’s accreditation liaison officer.
One reviewer noted that whether speaking with trustees, deans, faculty, staff or students, he heard the same message: MSU Denver is committed to supporting its students.
“People showed up, people spoke up, and they demonstrated the commitment that makes MSU Denver a special place,” Schafer said. “It was an incredible visit and the start to an exciting new chapter.”
What’s next
The University is awaiting formal action by HLC’s Board of Trustees, potentially as early as Nov. 5.
If approved, MSU Denver would begin developing the four-year initiative focused on improving student success, aligned with the University’s strategic priorities.
“We also need to keep in mind that accreditation is about continuing the work to improve,” Schafer said.
